Bingo method of scoring bowling

ABSTRACT

A bowling game variation of the game of bingo bowling is provided which allows for a bowling game wherein the bowlers can eliminate the “race” element of the game, and instead, play a bingo bowling game with scoring points being awarded. According to the invention, the bowler is given a set of shot or frame outcomes to achieve, and is awarded points based on the completion of the shot or frame outcomes within a pre-set time period or within a pre-set number of frames. Scoring for the card can be accomplished using a computer based system. This system allows for a wider variety of games to be played by a bowler.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to bowling, and, moreparticularly, to a variation of a bowling game commonly known as “bingo”bowling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bowling is a very popular pastime throughout the world. The basicconcept of a standard bowling game is to roll a series of balls(typically 2 or 3) down a bowling lane to knock down a plurality of pins(typically 5 or 10 pins) at the far end of the lane. Each set of two orthree balls is termed a frame, and after the two or three balls havebeen thrown, the frame has ended and the pins are re-set to theirinitial position. Knocking down all pins on the first ball is typicallycalled a “strike”, and knocking down all pins with two balls is called a“spare”. Knocking down all pins also ends the frame. At the end of theframe, a score is awarded for the number of pins knocked down. A gamegenerally consists of 10 frames.

[0003] Bowling games using non-standard scoring techniques and/orobjectives are also known. For example, bowlers occasionally play thenon-standard bowling game frequently called “bingo” bowling. In bingobowling, the bowler receives a card (or a list) of a number of possibleframe or shot outcomes and attempts to achieve all of the frame or shotoutcomes listed on the card in the shortest period possible. Forexample, the card could list possible outcomes, such as, a strike, aspare, a score of 3, 5, 8 or the like. This variation of the game isdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,575 (Douglass, Jr.) and,in a related manner, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,278 (Benko), although thebasic bingo bowling game has been known for a number of years.

[0004] Bingo bowling is particularly useful in “team” application wherea number of bowlers of different skill levels are joined together inorder to compete against other teams by achieving all of the listedoutcomes on the card as quickly as possible. Using this arrangement,bingo bowling enables bowlers of widely different skill levels tocompete (as individuals or as part of a team) with one another.

[0005] Operators of bowling centres are constantly looking for ways tointerest broader segments of the population in bowling. However, bingobowling games can take a comparatively long time to play since the gamegenerally requires at least one or two shots which may be difficult toachieve, particularly for a group of unskilled bowlers. Also, bingobowling is generally only of interest if more than one team isavailable, since bingo bowling requires competition between teams todetermine which team is first to complete all of the outcomes listed ontheir card.

[0006] Further, since the various bowlers are competing against oneanother, difficulties arise if one lane is prevented from bowling dueto, for example, mechanical problems such as pinsetter problems like pinjams, string tangles and the like. In this scenario, all lanes playingthe game will stop until the one lane is again ready for play.

[0007] Additionally, once one team has won the game, all other teams areconsidered to have lost the game, and it is difficult to allocate prizesto anyone on the basis that they finished second, third, etc. Yetfurther, it is essentially impossible to calculate league standings fortraditional bingo bowling over a number of games based on a simplewon/lost approach, or to have other teams compete in the same game, at adifferent time.

[0008] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a bowling game variation which is played over a definite time ora pre-set number of frames.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gamewherein a single team or bowler can play alone or against the clock, sothat their game score might be compared to other teams or bowlers at alater time.

[0010] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to providea bowling game variation in which the performance of each of theindividual players or teams can be ranked in order to determine therelative performance of each of the players or teams compared to otherplayers or teams.

[0011] These and other objects are at least partially attained byproviding a bingo bowling game in which play is restricted to variationswherein the players attempt to complete the card outcome requirements inthe fewest frames possible. Alternatively, the objects of the inventionare at least partially attained by providing a bingo bowling game inwhich play is restricted to clearing the most requirements from the cardin a set time period and/or in a set number of frames.

[0012] Most preferably, however, the objects of the invention are met byproviding a bingo bowling game wherein each frame and/or shot outcome israted according to a point system and the players attempt to score asmany points as possible in the fewest frames and/or within a set timeperiod.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for playinga bingo bowling game wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rollingone or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim ofachieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes,characterized in that the length of the bingo bowling game is controlledby either establishing a pre-set time period for achieving the shot orframe outcomes, or is controlled by establishing a pre-set number offrames for achieving the shot or frame outcomes.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a bingobowling game wherein a bowler, either as an individual or as part of ateam, plays a frame with the aim to achieve one of a number of pre-setshot or frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frame outcomepossible or desired, is rated so as to have a point reward associatedwith said outcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point totalby achieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within thebingo bowling game. In this variation, the bingo bowling game might bebased on the prior art system of playing until one player or teamcompletes all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes listed, however,preferably, the bingo bowling game is limited to a pre-set time periodor a pre-set number of frames, as described hereinabove with respect tothe present invention. At the end of the pre-set time period, or afterthe pre-set number of frames have been played, the point totals of theindividual teams and/or players can be totaled, and the teams and/orplayers can be ranked according to their point totals.

[0015] Thus, the present invention also provides a method for playing abingo bowling game wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rollingone or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim ofachieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes,characterized in that each shot or frame outcome possible, is rated soas to have a point reward associated with said outcome, and the bowlerattempts to maximize their point total by achieving any or all of thepre-set shot or frame outcomes within the bingo bowling game.Preferably, the bingo bowling game is limited to a pre-set time periodor a pre-set number of frames.

[0016] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “bingobowling” is used to describe any bowling game wherein a bowler attemptsto achieve a number of pre-set frame or shot outcomes by rolling one ormore balls down a bowling lane, having a plurality of bowling pins, inorder to knock down one of more of the pins. The game is normally playedwith either 5 or 10 pins standing at the beginning of each frame,although other pin numbers may be used. A frame is generally defined asa series of either 2 or 3, and possibly more, balls rolled down thelane. Each frame ends after all of the pins have been knocked down, orthe bowler has delivered the maximum number of balls allowed per frame.

[0017] Further, it is now commonplace for bowling lanes to be automatedand/or computerized so that each lane will have a pin-setting system,and a computerized scoring system. The pin-setting system preferablyautomatically set the pins in place, provides mechanisms for clearingballs and fallen pins from the lane during the frame, and mechanisms forresetting the pins in place after the completion of a frame.

[0018] With respect to the prior art, the computerized scoring system ispreferably able to determine when a ball has been thrown (such as withan electronic beam which is broken as the ball passes), and fordetermining which pins have been knocked down on each ball thrown in aframe. Accordingly, the computerized scoring system would be able tocalculate and display frame scores and game totals to the players.Further, the computerized scoring system also preferably interfaces withthe pin-setting system so that, on command, the pin-setting system willact.

[0019] With respect to the present invention, the computerized scoringsystem would also be able to determine which pins have been knocked downfor each ball. Accordingly, the computerized scoring system would thusbe able to determine which, of any, pre-set frame or shot outcomes havebeen achieved. Based on this information, the computerized scoringsystem could display to the player different strategy choices, and allowthe player to select these strategy choices through a bowler inputpanel. This panel could consist of one or more push buttons on aconsole, but could also be located on a standard computer keyboard, on atouch-screen display, or by some other input device.

[0020] Accordingly, in an additional aspect, the present invention alsoprovides a bingo bowling game system for use with a bowling lane havinga plurality of bowling pins, wherein a bowler rolls one or more ballsdown the lane to knock the pins down, the system comprising:

[0021] pin-setting equipment for automatically setting the pins at thebeginning of a frame, clearing balls and pins from the lane during thecourse of play of a frame, and re-setting the pins to their initialposition at the end of the frame; and

[0022] a bingo bowling computerized scoring system comprising:

[0023] a game initiating means for selecting one or more bingo bowlinggames;

[0024] a display system for displaying a set of shot or frame outcomesto be achieved during said bingo bowling game;

[0025] sensors for detecting when a ball is thrown and the number andlocation of the pins knocked over by said ball;

[0026] a comparison means for determining whether the pins knocked overby each ball of the frame meet any of the pre-set shot or frame outcomeobjectives in the set;

[0027] a display system for displaying when the bowler has successfullyachieved a shot or frame outcome objective in the set;

[0028] a score calculation means for awarding a point score for eachshot or frame outcome objective achieved in the set, in accordance witha pre-set table of point awards; and,

[0029] game termination means for terminating said bingo bowling gameafter a pre-set time period, a pre-set number of frames, or afterachievement, by one or more teams or players, of all pre-set outcomes ofsaid set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the number of balls, pins and theirarrangement, is compatible with standard bowling protocols so that thenumber of balls allowed per frame, and the number of pins used, arefully compatible with conventional automatic bowling equipment. Forexample, the number of pins and their arrangement is preferablycompatible with bowling lane pin-setting equipment that normally clearsthe lane of all knocked down pins after each ball roll, and/or resetsthe pins into their starting configuration after, for example, theplayer has rolled two successive balls, in a tenpin or rubber duckpingame, or after three balls in a fivepin, candlepin, or hard-bellyduckpin game.

[0031] In one example implementation, paper scoring sheets may be usedto play the bowling games. In accordance with another aspect provided bythis invention, however, in one preferred embodiment, scoring isperformed automatically using a computerized scoring system. In thiscomputerized embodiment, grids of pre-set shot and/or frame outcomes areautomatically displayed on a visual display such as a video monitor. Asbowlers successfully bowl to match boxes in the grid, the computerautomatically records the shot or frame outcomes achieved, and changesthe appearance of the grid display to reflect the bowler's success. Forexample, the computerized scoring section of the bowling system mightcause the boxe(es) the bowler has already matched to flash or bedisplayed in a different colour, or to be removed from the screen. Uponachieving all of the pre-set boxes defined by the grid, that set mayflash or change colour to indicate that the bowler has successfullycompleted the game.

[0032] Further, the computerized system can be used to record the numberof frames bowled, and the time elapsed since the beginning of the game,and thus can advise the player when an optional, pre-set game time orframe number has been reached.

[0033] Additionally, in a game wherein points are awarded, thecomputerized system can be used to calculate the number of pointsawarded for each player or team. The final point totals for the game canbe displayed for all players. Additionally, a “running” score total canbe displayed to all teams so that the teams can adjust their strategy toattempt different shots based on their position or standings.

[0034] For the bowling lane operator, new games are begun within a settime period, or within a set number of frames. With the potential for anincreased number of games, the bowlers have a higher interest levelsince new games may occur more frequently.

[0035] The present invention thus provides a new approach to bowlingthat maintains a higher level of player interest while offering thechallenge of a game of strategy and skill and providing frequentwinners. Also, since the pre-set shot or frame outcomes are to beachieved in a pre-set time or pre-set number of frames, and/or since thepoint value of the shot or frame outcomes are calculated, games (and inparticular, league games) can be played at different times and theresults compared later.

[0036] The shot and/or frame outcome requirements provided to the playerin the card at the beginning of the bingo bowling game will be dependenton the type of bowling game selected. For example, in tenpin bowling,each of the ten pins is worth one point, and the bowler is allowed twoballs per frame. Thus, as described in the patent to Benko, the frameoutcome could include a strike (all balls knocked down with one ball), aspare (all pins knocked down with two balls), or some variation of pinsknocked down with the first and second ball (e.g. “7-2” meaning 7 pinsknocked down with the first ball, and 2 with the second ball).

[0037] In a regular game of fivepin bowling, the centre pin is typicallyworth a score of 5, the two pins adjacent to the centre pin are eachworth a score of 3, and each of the two outside pins are worth a scoreof 2. A frame in fivepin bowling typically consists of rolling 3 balls.Thus, the pre-set outcomes in a game of fivepin bingo bowling typicallyrelate to the score achieved in the frame, with three ball score totalsof 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 being possible.

[0038] Other values such as a strike or a spare, as defined with respectto tenpin bowling, can be included as pre-set shot or frame outcomes.Further, in fivepin bowling, the outcome of the first ball of the framecan also be recorded depending on the outcome of the ball. For example,hitting only the centre (or “head” pin) can be recorded as “H”. Otheroutcomes are also possible, as described hereinbelow in Table 1.Accordingly, the points scale used for fivepin bingo bowling can includethese first shot outcomes.

[0039] The bingo bowling game of the present invention is suitable foruse in traditional fivepin or tenpin bowling lanes. However, the bingobowling game may be used in any bowling situation including games havingmore or less than five or ten pins. Also, the shape of the pins may varyso that traditional fivepin or tenpin bowling pins may be used, as wellas other pin variants such as candlestick pins, duck pins (both hardbelly and rubber) and the like. These different pin types are well knownto those skilled in the art.

[0040] The points awarded for achieving the pre-set shot or frameoutcomes can also vary depending of the type and nature of the gameplayed. An example of a suitable fivepin bingo bowling point scale whichmight be used is presented in Table 1. However, it will be clearlyunderstood by the skilled artisan that other point scale tables may beused in place of the exemplified table. TABLE 1 Example of a FivepinBingo Bowling Game Point Set Frame Score or Relative First Ball OutcomeExplanation Difficulty Points 6 Frame Score 10  50 9 Frame Score 8-9 40A Head pin and both 3 pins 7 35 on first ball 12  Frame Score 6-7 30 XStrike 4 25 R All pins except outside 5 23 right 2 pin on first ball LAll pins except outside 5 23 left 2 pin on first ball C Head pin, 3 pinand 2 pin 5 20 from one side on first ball S Head pin and one adjacent 518 3 pin, from either side, on first ball 15  Frame Score 4 15 H HeadPin only on first 4 15 ball / Spare 3 15 13  Frame Score 3 13 11  FrameScore 4-5 11 10  Frame Score 2 10 8 Frame Score 4-5 8 7 Frame Score 2 75 Frame Score 1 5 3 Frame Score 4-5 3 4 Frame Score 2 4 2 Frame Score 12 F Free Cell 0 0

[0041] Use of this scoring system allows the bowler to use some strategyin determining their next shot within a frame. For example, if thebowler removes only the centre (head) pin on their first shot, they havethe option of taking the 5 points for a frame score, 15 points for thehead pin only (“H”), or the option to carry on throwing the remainingtwo balls in an attempt to achieve other scores (such as, for example, ascore of 9 with a point value of 40).

[0042] Further, if a player or team realizes that it needs a givennumber of points to win the game, it can attempt to achieve the outcomeswhich will provide it with the necessary points.

[0043] Generally, each bingo bowling card of the present invention willhave a series of frame or first shot outcomes, and once that score oroutcome is achieved, there is no further advantage to repeating thatscore or outcome unless the score or outcome appears twice on the card.

[0044] Each player or team can play using the same card for a particulargame, or each player or team could have its own card. Further, cardcould be grouped so as to provide the same maximum points per card. Forexample, a 5 by 5 card with 25 possible scores or outcomes, might have amaximum total score available of, for example 300 to 600 points for anaverage game. Different cards having the same point total could be usedto provide games of the same relative difficulty for a particular groupof players. Thus, cards could be made having easily achievable scoresfor novice or junior players, or could be made extremely difficult forthe more advanced player.

[0045] Also, the cards could be set up to emphasize only certain shots.For example, the card could be set up so that only first shots hittingthe head pin are accepted, or so that only corner pins are accepted(point totals of 4 only for the frame), or that only strikes areaccepted.

[0046] Further, the cards could be set up to provide a bonus award forcompleting the outcome of a particular box. The location of the bonusbox could be kept secret so that winning the bonus will be random or thebowler will need to keep track of all possible outcomes to try todetermine which box is the bonus box. Thus, the bowler might adjusttheir strategy in order to try to locate the bonus box, and thus achievethe bonus box score.

[0047] In a further variation, the bonus box might move from box to boxon the card as the game progresses. To win the bonus box, the frame orshot outcome would have to be achieved when the bonus box had moved tothat box.

[0048] Using a computerized system, the scoring system could beprogrammed to automatically select an outcome and start a new frame oncea outcome has been achieved, and no other outcome is possible. Forexample, if the head pin only is removed on the first ball, and only anoutcome of “H” or “4” is left on the scorecard, the computer couldautomatically select the “H” outcome. In this situation, throwing thetwo remaining balls of the frame would be counterproductive since anoutcome of “4” would not be possible on this frame.

[0049] Alternatively, or additionally, the computerized scoring systemcould allow for early selection of an outcome (even though otheroutcomes are still possible) in order that the player or team can usesome strategy to obtain points at that particular time, and thus end theframe prematurely.

[0050] In the most preferred embodiment, the computerized systemsautomatically tracks the score of each player or team for a specifiedtime period or for a specified number of frames. The scores of eachplayer or team can then be compared and the results of the bingo bowlinggame can be presented to each player or team.

[0051] The computerized scoring system of the bingo bowling system canalso be used to synchronize game play amongst a number of teams orplayers so that, for example, each team or player begins a game at thesame time. The computerized scoring system can also automatically recordscores and scoring details in order to provide information on playerstatistics, game scoring histories, and the like, and allow league playwhere different teams play various cards on a given game day, but wouldplay the same cards over the course of a league series.

[0052] This type of computerized scoring system would be ideally suitedfor a system wherein a series of “scoring” computers are located at ornear the lanes where the games are being played, and the scoringcomputers are connected to a master computer which records informationfrom the scoring computer units.

[0053] Other game formats are possible wherein the same card is used fora number of games but the player or team is required to meet certainpatterns in the card (e.g. on a 5 by 5 card, achieve the result shown inall four corners and the centre “box”, or the top row only, or the leftcolumn only, or any similar selection).

[0054] Thus, the present invention provides a game of skill wherein thequantity of pins the bowler knocks down with each roll of the bowlingball is compared with a predetermined pattern for a possible match; andthe outcome of the game is determined by the attainment, through theskill of the bowler in knocking down certain quantities or patterns ofpins with the bowling ball, according to predetermined rules.

[0055] In a further variation, however, the bingo bowling game of thepresent invention can also be set up to award bowlers for achievingcertain point or frame or shot outcomes. For example, a bowler could beawarded a “free” game for achieving a set number of points in a setnumber of frames, or in a given time period. The bowler could also begiven time extensions to complete the game or a subsequent game, as anaward for completing some task in a game played. The award system mightalso be set-up in a manner similar to a video game, wherein, oncompleting a set of shot or frame objectives, the bowler would be givena new card having a different, and potentially more difficult, set offrame or shot outcomes. In this manner, a single bowler (or a singleteam of bowlers) would be encouraged to continue bowling in order toattempt to complete a series of cards in order to reach a card with acertain difficulty level. This variation could provide a method forbowlers to practice a series of bowling shots while providing somefeed-back on their bowling skills.

[0056] Other features of the present invention, as well as other objectsand advantages attendant thereto, are set forth in the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumerals depict like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] A preferred embodiment of the bowling bingo game of the presentinvention will now be described by reference to the following drawingswherein:

[0058]FIG. 1 is a depiction of the pin arrangement for a standardfivepin and tenpin bowling game;

[0059]FIG. 2 is a depiction of a bingo bowling card of use in thepresent invention;

[0060]FIG. 3 is a depiction of a series of bingo bowling cards each ofwhich has a point value of 300 points;

[0061]FIG. 4 is a depiction of a series of bingo bowling cards each ofwhich has a point value of 450 points;

[0062]FIG. 5 is a depiction of a series of different bingo bowling cardsshowing a variety of different game options; and

[0063]FIG. 6 shows an example automated bowling computer systemproviding game play in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] In FIG. 1, one end of a bowling lane 10 is shown wherein the pinsfor a standard fivepin (FIG. 1A), and a standard tenpin (FIG. 1B)bowling game are shown. As is commonly known, the bowler stands at oneend of the bowling lane and rolls a bowling ball to knock over all ofthe pins. In a tenpin game, each pin 11 is typically given a value of 1point. Accordingly, knocking down all pins results in a minimum score of10 points. In a fivepin game, the centre pin 12 is generally given avalue of 5 points. The two pins 14 adjacent the centre pin 12 are eachgiven a value of 3 points. The outside comer pins 16 are given a valueof 2 points each. Accordingly, knocking down all pins results in aminimum score of 15 points in that frame.

[0065] In FIG. 2, a bingo bowling scorecard 20 is shown of use in afivepin bingo bowling game. The card has 25 boxes arranged in a 5 by 5pattern. The player or team attempts to achieve all of the 25 scores (oroutcomes) shown on the card or as many as possible during the timeand/or frame restrictions for the game. The symbols used on the card arethose symbols described hereinabove in Table 1.

[0066] Using the scoring system described in Table 1, the point value ofthis card is 300, meaning that, if all outcomes were achieved, theplayer or team would score 300 points. If only part of the card werecompleted at the end of the game (either as a result of time, framenumbers, or others completing their cards), the team would received thepoints for only those outcomes on the card that were achieved.

[0067] The card can be printed on paper and provided to the players.However, in a preferred embodiment, the “card” is generated by acomputerized scoring system and displayed on a screen. The points won bythe player or team are then calculated automatically by the computerizedscoring system.

[0068] In FIG. 3, four additional cards 30, 32, 34 and 36 are shown withdifferent frame or shot outcomes. However, the point value forcompleting each card is 300 points. Thus, for a given skill level, anumber of different games may be played.

[0069] In FIG. 4, four additional cards are shown 40, 42, 44 and 46 withdifferent shot or frame outcomes. The point values for these cards,however is 450 points indicating that these cards are generally moredifficult to complete than the cards shown in FIG. 3.

[0070] In FIG. 5, five additional cards are shown 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58.These cards are generally speciality cards used for selected practice,or for specific groups. Card 50 has a point count of only 60 points andincludes a number of “free” boxes (denoted as “F”). This card would besuitable for children or novice bowlers. Card 52 has a point count of175 and would be suitable for junior bowlers. Card 54 is set to allowonly strikes and has a point score of 600 with one free box. Card 56displays a game where the head pin must be hit on the first ball. Thepoint score for this card is 545 points. Card 58 displays a game whereinonly the corner pins can be removed. Thus, the score for each frame willbe 4 if both corner pins are knocked down without disturbing theremaining pins. The point total for this card is 100 points.

[0071] All of the games shown on these scorecards can be played untilone player or team completes the card. However, in a preferredembodiment, a time restriction and/or a restriction on the number offrames can be imposed. In this manner, new games are begun on a regularbasis, and the interest level of the bowler is maintained.

[0072] In FIG. 6, an automatic bingo bowling computerized scoring system100 is shown. In this example, bingo bowling computerized scoring system100 includes a master computer 102 electronically connected to a numberof various scoring computers 116, which in turn, are connected toscoring stand displays 115 with bowler pushbuttons, and overhead lanedisplays 114. Additionally, scoring computers 116 are connected, in thisexample, to bowling lane equipment (not shown) which automaticallysenses when a bowling ball has been bowled down a lane, andautomatically detects which bowling pins have been knocked down by thebowling ball. Such automatic control by a computer of bowling laneequipment is known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0073] Master computer 102 is also connected to a printer 103.

[0074] In accordance with the present invention, master computer 102 andscoring computers 116 are used in this example for the purposes ofinitiating and coordinating games based on the scorecards describedhereinabove with respect to the present invention. Master computer 102is used for building, storing, recalling and editing a multitude of gamecards, which are individually displayed to the bowler(s). The pointtotals won by each player or team on a given lane may be kept by scoringcomputers 116, wherein points are awarded in accordance with a pre-settable of point awards, such as the pre-set table shown above in Table 1.

[0075] In response to commands inputted from the system operator via themaster computer, the scoring computer generates scorecards from memoryand displays them to the bowlers through displays 114. The frameoutcomes may be determined automatically by the scoring computer, ormay, in limited circumstances such as, for example, where two scoringoptions are available, be inputted by the bowler through the pushbuttons located on scoring stands 115. Scoring computers 116 mayautomatically monitor and tabulate the bowling results achieved by eachplayer or team, and can display to each player or team the outcomes orframe scores which have been achieved, and their current point total wonfor the game. Scoring computer 116 can also be capable of terminatingone or all of the games being played when one team has completed alloutcomes on the scorecard, or can terminate the game(s) at the end of aset number of frames or after a pre-set time period. Scoring computer116 can then transfer game results to the master computer 102. Mastercomputer 102 can then record a variety of information concerning thegame card (e.g. best score, quickest time etc.), or can recordstatistics for the individual bowlers or teams. These results can beprinted from the master computer using printer 103.

[0076] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, a bingo bowling game which fully satisfiesthe means, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore,having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it willbe understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereofmay be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intendedthat the present specification embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

[0077] Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word“comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and“comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the presentspecification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components,integers or steps.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method for playing abingo bowling game wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rollingone or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim ofachieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes,characterized in that the length of the bingo bowling game is controlledby either establishing a pre-set time period for achieving the shot orframe outcomes, or is controlled by establishing a pre-set number offrames for achieving the shot or frame outcomes.
 2. A method as claimedin claim 1 wherein said bowling lane is automated and computerized sothat each lane will have a pin-setting mechanism, and a computerizedscoring system.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein saidpin-setting mechanism automatically set the pins in place, providesmechanisms for clearing balls and fallen pins from the lane during theframe, and mechanisms for resetting the pins in place after thecompletion of a frame.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein saidcomputerized scoring system is able to determine when a ball has beenthrown, and is able to determine which pins have been knocked down oneach ball thrown in a frame.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 4 whereinsaid computerized scoring system is able to determine which, of any,pre-set frame or shot outcomes have been achieved.
 6. A method asclaimed in claim 5 wherein said computerized scoring displays to thebowler different strategy choices, and allows the bowler to select thesestrategy choices through a bowler input panel.
 7. A method for playing abingo bowling game as claimed in claim 1 wherein a bowler plays a shotor a frame by rolling one or a set number of bowling balls down abowling lane with the aim of achieving one of a number of pre-set shotor frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frame outcomepossible is rated so as to have a point reward associated with saidoutcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point total byachieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within thebingo bowling game.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bowleris awarded with time extensions or additional games for achieving one ormore predefined shot outcomes in a bowling game, or in a previousbowling game.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the number ofballs, pins and their arrangement, is compatible with standard bowlingprotocols so that the number of balls allowed per frame, and the numberof pins used, are fully compatible with conventional pin-settingequipment.
 10. A bingo bowling game wherein a bowler, either as anindividual or as part of a team, plays a frame with the aim to achieveone of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in thateach shot or frame outcome possible or desired, is rated so as to have apoint reward associated with said outcome, and the bowler attempts tomaximize their point total by achieving any or all of the pre-set shotor frame outcomes within the bingo bowling game.
 11. A bingo bowlinggame as claimed in claim 10 wherein said bingo bowling game is limitedto a pre-set time period or a pre-set number of frames.
 12. A bingobowling game as claimed in claim 10 wherein said bowling lane isautomated and computerized so that each lane will have a pin-settingmechanism, and a computerized scoring system.
 13. A game as claimed inclaim 12 wherein said pin-setting mechanism automatically set the pinsin place, provides mechanisms for clearing balls and fallen pins fromthe lane during the frame, and mechanisms for resetting the pins inplace after the completion of a frame.
 14. A game as claimed in claim 12wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determine when aball has been thrown, and is able to determine which pins have beenknocked down on each ball thrown in a frame.
 15. A game as claimed inclaim 14 wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determinewhich, of any, pre-set frame or shot outcomes have been achieved.
 16. Agame as claimed in claim 15 wherein said computerized scoring systemdisplays to the bowler different strategy choices, and allows the bowlerto select these strategy choices through a bowler input panel.
 17. Agame for playing a bingo bowling game as claimed in claim 10 wherein abowler plays a shot or a frame by rolling one or a set number of bowlingballs down a bowling lane with the aim of achieving one of a number ofpre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frameoutcome possible is rated so as to have a point reward associated withsaid outcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point total byachieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within thebingo bowling game.
 18. A game as claimed in claim 10 wherein the numberof balls, pins and their arrangement, is compatible with standardbowling protocols so that the number of balls allowed per frame, and thenumber of pins used, are fully compatible with conventional pin-settingequipment.
 19. A game as claimed in claim 18 wherein the number of pinsstanding at the beginning of each frame is either 5 or 10 pins.
 20. Agame as claimed in claim 19 wherein 2 or 3 balls are thrown per frame.21. A bingo bowling game system for use with a bowling lane having aplurality of bowling pins, wherein a bowler rolls one or more balls downthe lane to knock the pins down, the system comprising: pin-settingequipment for automatically setting the pins at the beginning of aframe, clearing balls and pins from the lane during the course of playof a frame, and re-setting the pins to their initial position at the endof the frame; and a bingo bowling computerized scoring systemcomprising: a game initiating means for selecting one or more bingobowling games; a display system for displaying a set of shot or frameoutcomes to be achieved during said bingo bowling game; sensors fordetecting when a ball is thrown and the number and location of the pinsknocked over by said ball; a comparison means for determining whetherthe pins knocked over by each ball of the frame meet any of the pre-setshot or frame outcome objectives in the set; a display system fordisplaying when the bowler has successfully achieved a shot or frameoutcome objective in the set; a score calculation means for awarding apoint score for each shot or frame outcome objective achieved in theset, in accordance with a pre-set table of point awards; and, gametermination means for terminating said bingo bowling game after apre-set time period, a pre-set number of frames, or after achievement,by one or more teams or players, of all pre-set outcomes of said set.